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Pecherov update

Oleksiy Pecherov, who missed last night's summer league opening loss to Portland with a sprained left ankle, is expected to miss tomorrow's game against Philadelphia but could play in the final three games. I fly to Las Vegas Friday morning and will be on hand for the weekend games.

Comments

Ivan Could you ask EG why he did not bring back Aaron Miles from last year's summer league team who was tearing it up? Is he locked into a contract over in Europe?

Dee Brown and his clone Drapper did not look all that good. I hope I see something in the next two games from them. If not, will they give Wallace more minutes? Thanks....

Posted by: Bullets Fever #1 | July 15, 2008 1:58 PM

In the interview during the game, EJ said that Gilbert looked real good and was playing near full-speed (my words, his thoughts). Could you ask EJ the implication of these remarks? Does he plan on playing Gilbert full-time (40 minutes a game) at the beginning of the season if the doctor's clear GA to play?

Separately, does this summer league team have any competitive spirit or are they just going through the motions?

Posted by: Izman | July 15, 2008 2:04 PM

Aaron Miles did NOT "tear it up" last summer.

Posted by: Anonymous | July 15, 2008 2:27 PM

Aaron Miles did NOT "tear it up" last summer.

Posted by: | July 15, 2008 2:27 PM

Maybe "tearing it up" was a little strong, but the dude had a real nice smooth game. He could dish, yet he could also drive and shoot a nice mid-range jumper had a high success rate.

He kind of reminded me of a Rod Strickland type of point guard. You noticed when he "was not in the game". Chase would be running the point and it looked like Dee Brown running the point. Nothing stood out.

Posted by: Bullets Fever #1 | July 15, 2008 2:49 PM

Aaron Miles did NOT "tear it up" last summer.

Posted by: | July 15, 2008 2:27 PM

Maybe "tearing it up" was a little strong, but the dude had a real nice smooth game. He could dish, yet he could also drive and shoot a nice mid-range jumper that had a good success rate.

He kind of reminded me of a Rod Strickland type of point guard. You noticed when he "was not in the game". Chase would be running the point and it looked like Dee Brown running the point. Nothing stood out.

Posted by: Bullets Fever #1 | July 15, 2008 2:49 PM

Posted by: Bullets Fever #1 | July 15, 2008 2:50 PM

I actually though Draper played better defense on Bayless than Brown. I saw nothing from Dee Brown that would indicate that he should be on our team. He seemed to be just ok as a ball handler. Anyway, it's just summer league.
Izman, I also noticed those comments. If he's just getting to near full speed after 3-4 months off, why the hell was he playing at all in the playoffs? It's not like he reinjured himself during the Cavs series. My impression then was that it was just not getting better and it was hurting.
You mean to tell me he was so far away from 100% during the playoffs that months later he's still just nearing full speed? The team doctors should never have allowed him to play. Someone else posted a comment about our team doctors in a previous entry. Someone really needs to look into this.

Posted by: mark | July 15, 2008 3:02 PM

Forget Dee Brown, Jonathan Wallace and Aaron Miles. The Wiz need to bring back God Shamgod I think he is ready to contribute now lol.

Posted by: bryan | July 15, 2008 3:13 PM

I'm trying to figure out what you all are expecting from Dee Brown. He was signed to a partially guaranteed contract to be the THIRD string PG. Come on guys. Besides its only one summer league game.

Posted by: Omar | July 15, 2008 3:13 PM

I do'nt think we can really judge anyone off of this first game. Travel issues , jet lag, we did'nt see what this team could do.

Posted by: wizfan40 | July 15, 2008 3:24 PM

I'm trying to figure out what you all are expecting from Dee Brown. He was signed to a partially guaranteed contract to be the THIRD string PG.
Posted by: Omar | July 15, 2008 3:13 PM

I see him potentially as a future 2nd string point guard if the Wizards are to trade Daniels expiring contract in the summer of 2009.

I see two big reasons why Grunfeld prioritized signing a PG: the reason I just stated, and insurance if Arenas or Daniels gets interested.

I do agree that summer league means very little. The 3rd string PG position will be won at training camp. But the Wizards will have more flexibility if that player turns into a legit backup PG.

Posted by: Johnnie Futbol | July 15, 2008 3:40 PM

Omar, I think what everyone is hoping for is that EG will find a hidden gem for not very much money who will immediately have an impact on the team. And make it someone who will not be embarassed in Vegas.

The problem with one guy who sets the basis for all the team's draft picks is that they all turn out to be one type of player. Same thing when a manager uses his "ideal employee" profile to hire all of his subordinates. In this case all the recent hires are tall skinny men with raw talent who like to shoot jumpers, but real low on maturity and quick to run out of gas.

I don't think he knows how to hire short quick ball handlers.

Posted by: rgz | July 15, 2008 3:43 PM

I don't think he knows how to hire short quick ball handlers.

Posted by: rgz | July 15, 2008 3:43 PM

Ha ha! That might be very true.

But I will say that starting 5 can really push the ball up the court. there is a continuity between all of them.

Posted by: Johnnie Futbol | July 15, 2008 3:50 PM

Aaron Miles did NOT "tear it up" last summer.

Posted by: | July 15, 2008 2:27 PM

Maybe "tearing it up" was a little strong, but the dude had a real nice smooth game. He could dish, yet he could also drive and shoot a nice mid-range jumper that had a good success rate.

He kind of reminded me of a Rod Strickland type of point guard. You noticed when he "was not in the game". Chase would be running the point and it looked like Dee Brown running the point. Nothing stood out.

Posted by: Bullets Fever #1 | July 15, 2008 2:49 PM

Posted by: Bullets Fever #1 | July 15, 2008 2:50 PM

WELL IF EG DOESNT'BRING HIM IN AND OTHER TEAMS DONT EVEN BRING HIM IN EITHER SO THAT MEAN HE SUCK!!

Posted by: Anonymous | July 15, 2008 4:02 PM

The Wiz need to bring back God Shamgod I think he is ready to contribute now lol.

Posted by: bryan | July 15, 2008 3:13 PM

Drafted by the Wiz in 1997 in the second round, lasted one year. Then played ball for various teams in Poland, Saudi Arabia & China.

Still playing for the Portland Chinooks in the IBL where during the 2008 season he amassed a record of an average 8.6 points, 2.6 assists & 2.0 rebounds in 3 games.

Now goes by Shammgod Wells though God Shammgod is his legal name. Wells is his mother's maiden name. I guess they couldn't announce his name as "God" in games in Saudi Arabia. He woulda gotten shot.

Posted by: wise guy | July 15, 2008 4:03 PM

He actually changed his name from Shamgod Wells to God Shamgod on his way out of college.

Posted by: Anonymous | July 15, 2008 4:23 PM

Pecherov update
Oleksiy Pecherov, who missed last night's summer league opening loss to Portland with a sprained left ankle, is expected to miss tomorrow's game against Philadelphia but could play in the final three games. I fly to Las Vegas Friday morning and will be on hand for the weekend games.

Ivan Could you ask EG why he did not bring back Aaron Miles from last year's summer league team who was tearing it up? Is he locked into a contract over in Europe?

Dee Brown and his clone Drapper did not look all that good. I hope I see something in the next two games from them. If not, will they give Wallace more minutes? Thanks....

Posted by: Bullets Fever #1 | July 15, 2008 1:58 PM

In the interview during the game, EJ said that Gilbert looked real good and was playing near full-speed (my words, his thoughts). Could you ask EJ the implication of these remarks? Does he plan on playing Gilbert full-time (40 minutes a game) at the beginning of the season if the doctor's clear GA to play?

Separately, does this summer league team have any competitive spirit or are they just going through the motions?

Posted by: Izman | July 15, 2008 2:04 PM

Aaron Miles did NOT "tear it up" last summer.

Posted by: | July 15, 2008 2:27 PM

Aaron Miles did NOT "tear it up" last summer.

Posted by: | July 15, 2008 2:27 PM

Maybe "tearing it up" was a little strong, but the dude had a real nice smooth game. He could dish, yet he could also drive and shoot a nice mid-range jumper had a high success rate.

He kind of reminded me of a Rod Strickland type of point guard. You noticed when he "was not in the game". Chase would be running the point and it looked like Dee Brown running the point. Nothing stood out.

Posted by: Bullets Fever #1 | July 15, 2008 2:49 PM

Aaron Miles did NOT "tear it up" last summer.

Posted by: | July 15, 2008 2:27 PM

Maybe "tearing it up" was a little strong, but the dude had a real nice smooth game. He could dish, yet he could also drive and shoot a nice mid-range jumper that had a good success rate.

He kind of reminded me of a Rod Strickland type of point guard. You noticed when he "was not in the game". Chase would be running the point and it looked like Dee Brown running the point. Nothing stood out.

Posted by: Bullets Fever #1 | July 15, 2008 2:49 PM

Posted by: Bullets Fever #1 | July 15, 2008 2:50 PM

I actually though Draper played better defense on Bayless than Brown. I saw nothing from Dee Brown that would indicate that he should be on our team. He seemed to be just ok as a ball handler. Anyway, it's just summer league.
Izman, I also noticed those comments. If he's just getting to near full speed after 3-4 months off, why the hell was he playing at all in the playoffs? It's not like he reinjured himself during the Cavs series. My impression then was that it was just not getting better and it was hurting.
You mean to tell me he was so far away from 100% during the playoffs that months later he's still just nearing full speed? The team doctors should never have allowed him to play. Someone else posted a comment about our team doctors in a previous entry. Someone really needs to look into this.

Posted by: mark | July 15, 2008 3:02 PM

Forget Dee Brown, Jonathan Wallace and Aaron Miles. The Wiz need to bring back God Shamgod I think he is ready to contribute now lol.

Posted by: bryan | July 15, 2008 3:13 PM

I'm trying to figure out what you all are expecting from Dee Brown. He was signed to a partially guaranteed contract to be the THIRD string PG. Come on guys. Besides its only one summer league game.

Posted by: Omar | July 15, 2008 3:13 PM

I do'nt think we can really judge anyone off of this first game. Travel issues , jet lag, we did'nt see what this team could do.

Posted by: wizfan40 | July 15, 2008 3:24 PM

I'm trying to figure out what you all are expecting from Dee Brown. He was signed to a partially guaranteed contract to be the THIRD string PG.
Posted by: Omar | July 15, 2008 3:13 PM

I see him potentially as a future 2nd string point guard if the Wizards are to trade Daniels expiring contract in the summer of 2009.

I see two big reasons why Grunfeld prioritized signing a PG: the reason I just stated, and insurance if Arenas or Daniels gets interested.

I do agree that summer league means very little. The 3rd string PG position will be won at training camp. But the Wizards will have more flexibility if that player turns into a legit backup PG.

Posted by: Johnnie Futbol | July 15, 2008 3:40 PM

Omar, I think what everyone is hoping for is that EG will find a hidden gem for not very much money who will immediately have an impact on the team. And make it someone who will not be embarassed in Vegas.

The problem with one guy who sets the basis for all the team's draft picks is that they all turn out to be one type of player. Same thing when a manager uses his "ideal employee" profile to hire all of his subordinates. In this case all the recent hires are tall skinny men with raw talent who like to shoot jumpers, but real low on maturity and quick to run out of gas.

I don't think he knows how to hire short quick ball handlers.

Posted by: rgz | July 15, 2008 3:43 PM

I don't think he knows how to hire short quick ball handlers.

Posted by: rgz | July 15, 2008 3:43 PM

Ha ha! That might be very true.

But I will say that starting 5 can really push the ball up the court. there is a continuity between all of them.

Posted by: Johnnie Futbol | July 15, 2008 3:50 PM

Aaron Miles did NOT "tear it up" last summer.

Posted by: | July 15, 2008 2:27 PM

Maybe "tearing it up" was a little strong, but the dude had a real nice smooth game. He could dish, yet he could also drive and shoot a nice mid-range jumper that had a good success rate.

He kind of reminded me of a Rod Strickland type of point guard. You noticed when he "was not in the game". Chase would be running the point and it looked like Dee Brown running the point. Nothing stood out.

Posted by: Bullets Fever #1 | July 15, 2008 2:49 PM

Posted by: Bullets Fever #1 | July 15, 2008 2:50 PM

WELL IF EG DOESNT'BRING HIM IN AND OTHER TEAMS DONT EVEN BRING HIM IN EITHER SO THAT MEAN HE SUCK!!

Posted by: | July 15, 2008 4:02 PM

The Wiz need to bring back God Shamgod I think he is ready to contribute now lol.

Posted by: bryan | July 15, 2008 3:13 PM

Drafted by the Wiz in 1997 in the second round, lasted one year. Then played ball for various teams in Poland, Saudi Arabia & China.

Still playing for the Portland Chinooks in the IBL where during the 2008 season he amassed a record of an average 8.6 points, 2.6 assists & 2.0 rebounds in 3 games.

Now goes by Shammgod Wells though God Shammgod is his legal name. Wells is his mother's maiden name. I guess they couldn't announce his name as "God" in games in Saudi Arabia. He woulda gotten shot.

Posted by: wise guy | July 15, 2008 4:03 PM

Man you sound like Hubie Brown lol

Posted by: bryan | July 15, 2008 4:29 PM

oops! sorry about that

Posted by: bryan | July 15, 2008 4:38 PM

Was it me, or was McGee GUNNING last night. Starts off the game with two three pointers (off the glass) and then kept taking fade-aways. And didn't McGuire look a little raw out there. No handle, no jump shot. I know he needs time, but how long to second rounders (ie Andray) get to develop. We're a playoff team, who needs people we can trust off that bench.

Posted by: AV | July 15, 2008 4:50 PM

My punctuation, grammar and spelling above was about as good as Dom's handle, Dre's box-out D, and McGee's jumper...

Posted by: AV | July 15, 2008 4:52 PM

found this news online about Aaron Miles...

Unable to stick on an NBA roster, and frustrated with the low pay and hassles involved with the D-League, Miles signed with the French club, Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez in 2006. This season Miles is in Seville, Spain, playing for Cajasol Baloncesto Sevilla in the ACB - Spain's top league. It's a far cry from the low-budget NBDL. Players in the ACB can make an upward of $1 million per year, while most earn at least six figures.

"The people here are nice," Miles said. "The weather is beautiful."

Miles lives in an plush apartment with his girlfriend, and he's just blocks from his team's gym. They eat at T.G.I.Friday's in his neighborhood when they tire of Seville's Tapas bars.

He's playing 20 minutes per game this season, battling against some of the top players in Europe. With his team out of the playoff picture at 12-19, Miles' Spanish season ends May 9. He'll have to make another decision this summer: stay in Europe and make a six-figure salary or pursue his NBA dream.

Miles said he still aspires to play in the NBA, but European basketball is becoming more appealing.

"A couple players over here don't even care about the NBA anymore," Miles said. "They're making a good living over here. For them it's all about making a good living and setting themselves up for the future."

Posted by: G$ | July 15, 2008 4:57 PM

He actually changed his name from Shamgod Wells to God Shamgod on his way out of college.

Posted by: | July 15, 2008 4:23 PM

His father's name is God Shammgod, so technically he's Jr.

Posted by: Anonymous | July 15, 2008 5:04 PM

And didn't McGuire look a little raw out there. No handle, no jump shot.

Posted by: AV | July 15, 2008 4:50 PM

I agree. But if I was EJ, I would pull DMac over to the side, and tell him that I wouldn't care if he never made another jump shot or dribbled the ball twice in succession , if he just concentrated on becoming the best rebounder and defender that he could become. With his "hops" and hands, I think that he could potentially become another Dennis Rodman (hopefully, without the weirdness), and that's just what this team needs to go to the next level. I'd have DMac watch a lot of tape of Rodman and Ben Wallace, and I'd tell him that successfully imitating those two is the quickest way for him to get a lot more playing time.

Posted by: rbpalmer | July 15, 2008 5:07 PM

No Pech, no big-deal, dude obviously has a bad ankle that tweaks easily.

Posted by: Charlie | July 15, 2008 5:28 PM

So ... slow, non-athletic, low-percentage long-range chucker ... and now it appears Pecherov is adding fragile and injury prone to his resume.

Nice use of a top 20 pick.

Posted by: kalorama | July 15, 2008 5:38 PM

you know, it would be nice to have somebody with some girth on this team. who eats up some space in the paint and cant be moved out with an extended forearm or a shoulder shrug.
and can make free throws.
(i know what you were thinking)

Posted by: oddjob | July 15, 2008 5:57 PM

pech + cash considerations for dwight howard

Posted by: real gm | July 15, 2008 6:18 PM

you know, it would be nice to have somebody with some girth on this team. who eats up some space in the paint and cant be moved out with an extended forearm or a shoulder shrug.
and can make free throws.
(i know what you were thinking)

Posted by: oddjob | July 15, 2008 5:57 PM

How about John "Hotplate" Williams....
Or
Robert "Tractor" Traylor .........
Or
Bryant "Big Country" Reeves
Or
Oliver "pass me that plate of Hamburgers" Miller
Or
Mike Sweetney

Posted by: Anonymous | July 15, 2008 6:30 PM

or manute bol

Posted by: Anonymous | July 15, 2008 7:13 PM

I liked what I saw from McGee last night! Seemed nervous at first and jacked some wild shots, but seemed to settle down and made a few nice jumpers and post moves. Runs well, is very long and athletic for his size. Is pretty skinny though.

Actually the whole team seemed nervous at first, and was probably effected from their terrible flight. Nick Young seemed to settle down some by the end, and I thought Blatche played pretty good. McGuire didn't do much. Brown was ok, he did good considering he just joined the team and didn't have much practice time with the team then had to go out and run the pg. Quick and moves the ball.

Out of the non roster guys I was most impressed with Elegar and Wallace. Wallace looked real good shooting in very limited pt, and Elegar looked athletic and played hard. I also though Veremeenko looked pretty good, again considering he just joined the team and really had no practice time. Has good size, moves pretty well, and seems to have some good skills and fundamentals.

Never fails to amuse me how you guys sit around dreaming up trades that are never gonna happen.

Posted by: Anonymous | July 15, 2008 8:45 PM

I'll put this out again....
I know most of you will kill me for this but here it goes. The answer to the wizards 3rd guard could be Shaun Livingston. Hear me out, before his knee went out he was a big part of the clippers making the playoffs. He can and did defended both guard positions very well great passer with a good feel for the game + he can score when needed. Remember the game he was killing us when gil or AD couldn't guard him to save there life. If your going to take a gamble on someone why not him (Dee Brown come on) he was headed towards being a superstar before the knee. I know it a chance but he was clear to start ballin again and I think he would do well in EJ's system. Give him a deal thats contingent on his knee. Tell me what you guy's think

Posted by: PIKE | July 15, 2008 9:08 PM

The reason we expect so much from Dee "League" Brown is because all of this noise was made about gil taking less to help the team.

We read about going after Posey and instead spend money on a guy who is behind Ronnie "No Relation to Mark" Price?

I am about to return to DC after a four year stint in ATL. Now that we have watched our team put all of its stock in an operation that has sputtered for 3 years - when do we start to do OUR job as fans and voice our displeasure and start "booing" at games?

1) Everytime we are down by more than 15 at home

2) Everytime we are down and gil has more than 4 t/os?

3) if we drop more than 5 games under .500 despite being healthy?

I would actually like to hear from some old-timers on this question. I mean no disrespect to the team - I love the wiz. But if we are going to sit here and complain, we might as well make our voices actually know.

So again, old time wizfans, when is it our DUTY to Boo this team?

Posted by: ATLwizFan | July 15, 2008 9:24 PM

The reason we expect so much from Dee "League" Brown is because all of this noise was made about gil taking less to help the team.

We read about going after Posey and instead spend money on a guy who is behind Ronnie "No Relation to Mark" Price?

I am about to return to DC after a four year stint in ATL. Now that we have watched our team put all of its stock in an operation that has sputtered for 3 years - when do we start to do OUR job as fans and voice our displeasure and start "booing" at games?

1) Everytime we are down by more than 15 at home

2) Everytime we are down and gil has more than 4 t/os?

3) if we drop more than 5 games under .500 despite being healthy?

I would actually like to hear from some old-timers on this question. I mean no disrespect to the team - I love the wiz. But if we are going to sit here and complain, we might as well make our voices actually know.

So again, old time wizfans, when is it our DUTY to Boo this team?

Posted by: ATLwizFan | July 15, 2008 9:24 PM

Actually, I attended a game at the beginning of last season ---that WizardsD. Nugget game was a friday nite on ESPN and Denver (and Melo) blew us out. They started booing them pretty bad towards the end of the game -- i didnt like it though. And they were cheering Melo and A.I. but i figured that was Baltimore fans and Gtown fans mingled in. They got blown out by like 30points (part of the 1st 4-5 losses of the year).

Posted by: Anonymous | July 15, 2008 9:42 PM

I think the real problem is we don't really know how good the Wizards are. Some can point to early 2007 when we had the best record in the East, which was the last time we were healthy.

Others point to the last three seasons, where we finished around .500 and were one and done in the playoffs.

What needs to happen is that the Wiz need to be healthy at the end of the season and see how far they can go in the playoffs. This should answer the questions about how good this team is and whether EG did the right thing in signing our free agents, along with his other moves the last couple years.

Otherwise, we are all just speculating.

Posted by: Tim | July 15, 2008 9:51 PM

A couple of observations about Wizards:

1) wizards are gonna miss Roger Mason! -he had a good junp shot and played decent defense-not sure if Nick Young can replace him Young can score in bunches but he tends to disappear often and his defense is not good!!

2) Mcguire is not the same player from Last yr-sitting on the bench he has lost confidence in his game-last yr at summer league he was awesome going to hoop and was very aggressive-what happened???

3) Pech-will not make it in the league-waste of a draft pick whoever in the wizards recommended him should be fired!!
Also, the other draft pick the russian cannot play in the NBA-either not athletic enough..

4) finally, J.J. Hickson had 26pts 9rebs in summer league did we make a mistake taking MCGEE- who is physically a yr or two away from playing in the NBA-also he does not rebound very well-noticed a few times out of position on floor and not strong enough-Rebounding is the Wizards biggest problem!!! Etan will help being back!!!

Balltime!!

Posted by: balltime | July 15, 2008 9:53 PM

Clips traded for Camby.

Posted by: Anonymous | July 15, 2008 10:31 PM

come on Ernie, work a trade. our second tier guys suck and aren't getting better anytime soon. everyone outside the big 3 should be tradeable.

Posted by: trade | July 15, 2008 11:15 PM

the above post is 100% correct. people on this blog are dreaming. the team outside of the big 3 and maybe haywood, are terrible. most of them are inmature and prolly as good as they are going to get. this team needs to make some moves, quick. whatever window they have is closing with every year older jamison gets

Posted by: T | July 15, 2008 11:50 PM

I can't believe the Clippers got Camby for a 2nd round pick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shortly after the season ended EG said he was going to resign Arenas and Jamison and then add a free agent who is an impact player. Since we were roughed up by Cleveland's inside players I assumed this meant EG intended on finding a big man who likes to mix it up.

Is EG still looking for a free agent impact player and will it be a big man? Is Dee Brown our final move of the off season?

Personally, I thought Wallace looked really poised out there. He's going to walk on to an NBA team somewhere the same way he did at Georgetown and become a solid backup point guard. That is my prediction.

Posted by: Mevious | July 16, 2008 2:22 AM

I agree. But if I was EJ, I would pull DMac over to the side, and tell him that I wouldn't care if he never made another jump shot or dribbled the ball twice in succession , if he just concentrated on becoming the best rebounder and defender that he could become. With his "hops" and hands, I think that he could potentially become another Dennis Rodman (hopefully, without the weirdness), and that's just what this team needs to go to the next level. I'd have DMac watch a lot of tape of Rodman and Ben Wallace, and I'd tell him that successfully imitating those two is the quickest way for him to get a lot more playing time.

Posted by: rbpalmer | July 15, 2008 5:07 PM"

++

I agree with this post. There is a lot of angst here about the first game in Vegas. Travel issues aside, it is way too early to judge Dee Brown and even earlier to judge McGee. That said, I think we got what we would expect from Blatche and Young. The most (actually the only) worrisome thing I saw was the failure of DMac to show ANYthing. I don't think we can expect a brand new PG with two days of practice (or whatever it was) to look smooth in a new offense after that kind of travel debacle. McGee is a rookie and I think we should all expect him to be play very little this year (we know how EJ just *loves* to play rookies, right?). That said, DMac looked incredibly athletic and active in summer league games----LAST year. He was almost invisible vs. Portland. I'll be most curious to watch him tonight---was it a weird game or has he really taken a step backward.

Posted by: psdfx | July 16, 2008 5:49 AM

Ooops, one more thought on DMac. Unlike MOST posts here and most hand-wringing about the summer league, DMac's development REALLY matters for this team---as of now (unless AB will play more at the 3 behind Caron) DMac is the 2nd string small forward...

Posted by: psdfx | July 16, 2008 5:50 AM

the clippers just got camby for nothing. i basically want to throw up right now.

Posted by: washington ball | July 16, 2008 6:31 AM

So again, old time wizfans, when is it our DUTY to Boo this team?

Posted by: ATLwizFan | July 15, 2008 9:24 PM
My opinion is that if we call ourselves supporters and fans, we NEVER boo our own team. That just makes the other team play even better, and our own team start to really hate the fans, even the players we value are affected. On the other hand, every opportunity to cheer is welcomed.

In fact that is one thing lacking in Washington - the cheering. Too boring, no imagination. No coordination.

Posted by: rgz | July 16, 2008 7:58 AM

the clippers just got camby for nothing. i basically want to throw up right now.

Posted by: washington ball | July 16, 2008 6:31 AM
Now Denver has created a $10M one-year trade exception, meaning they can absorb Camby's salary in a trade without having to give up anything.

Ernie do you have something to give to Denver? Is there anything they would want? Even $6M salaries could be entertained.

Posted by: rgz | July 16, 2008 8:35 AM

I can't believe the Clippers got Camby for a 2nd round pick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We traded our 2nd round pick and got CASH!!

Posted by: Darnell | July 16, 2008 1:15 AM

the clippers just got camby for nothing. i basically want to throw up right now.

Posted by: washington ball | July 16, 2008 6:31 AM

I'm not quite sure how the salary cap works (I'm sure some of the more knowledgable posters in this area can help me), but wouldn't we have had to forego resigning both Arenas and AJ to have enough room to fit Camby's $10 million salary under our cap? I'm pretty sure that not resigning Arenas would not, by itself, create enough room. I know that Camby would have given the team just what it is currently lacking (defense and rebounding), but would we have wanted to forego what we would have had to forego to acquire a 34 year old center? Talk about shortening the team's window of opportunity!

Posted by: rbpalmer | July 16, 2008 8:43 AM

trade exception
Posted by: rgz | July 16, 2008 8:35 AM

traded player exception is the correct term

We could not have taken Camby unless we had given up both Arenas and Jamison. The opportunity for our GM is to give away a player to Denver. It's too bad Etan's contract has a trade kicker in it, making it just that more unpalatable to other teams.

Posted by: rgz | July 16, 2008 8:54 AM

Quote: "But if I was EJ, I would pull DMac over to the side, and tell him that I wouldn't care if he never made another jump shot or dribbled the ball twice in succession, if he just concentrated on becoming the best rebounder and defender that he could become"

During the in-game interview, EJ said he thought McGuire could guard the 1-4.

I think this attitude is part of the problem with the lack of development of the young players. McGuire really isn't that good on D, and needs to focus (not expand) his skills on one role. Under EJ, he'll be jerked around all year won't get much better in any particular facet of the game this year.

DMac and the Wiz would be better off if he played in Europe for a year or two.

Blatche and Young have much more potential than McGuire. Hopefully, Tapscott can get them focused on developing and/or improving specific skills this year. But they will need more game-time minutes to be able to develop confidence and perform under pressure.

Posted by: Izman | July 16, 2008 9:02 AM

Can anybody tell me why we didn't offer a second or even first round pick for Camby?? I mean LAC got him for nothing. He would have been the perfect fit for our team.

Posted by: wizfan | July 16, 2008 9:25 AM

"the clippers just got camby for nothing. i basically want to throw up right now."

That's a distortion. The Clippers got Camby because they had about $14 mill in cap space to play with after Brand defected to the Sixers. For all intents and purposes, they bought Marcus Camby's contract for $10 million in cash. That's a whole lotta "nothing."

"Can anybody tell me why we didn't offer a second or even first round pick for Camby?? I mean LAC got him for nothing. He would have been the perfect fit for our team.

Because a team that's about 10 mill over the salary cap can't trade draft picks for players, that's why.

The truth of the first sentence renders the second one unlikely if not flat out untrue. Available? Maybe. Tradeable? Not for much the Wiz could use.

Posted by: kalorama | July 16, 2008 10:08 AM

I think we can expect the Nuggets to use the trade exception to go hard after one of the young restricted FAs on the market. I could see them targeting Okafor to fill the hole in the middle.

Posted by: kalorama | July 16, 2008 10:10 AM

I hope all the Dee Brown supporters see why I was so angry the other day. What a waste. We could have gotten a better PG in the 2nd round or undrafted or through free agency for the same price or cheaper. Another pathetic move by EG.

Posted by: Anonymous | July 16, 2008 10:25 AM

The Bobcats will surely match any offer from Okafor.

Posted by: Roy | July 16, 2008 10:25 AM

Yup, what Kal said. Ernie will have to get very creative or be willing to move Caron to make any signifigant trade this year. The young guys have cheap contracts and no trade value and ET's and AD's contracts aren't valuable until next year. The only reason the Clips got Camby for so cheap was because Denver wanted to dump salary and the Clips had plenty of cap room because their best player walked out on them, ours re-signed. I like Ernie, but the way this roster has been constructed there is very little flexiblity to makes moves and remain under the luxery tax limit. Young, Pech, McGuire, and Blatche have little to zero trade value. Some teams might be interested in Haywood/Stevenson, but what players are on the block with a matching salary that would have as much or more of an impact on this team than Haywood/Stevenson already do? Next year is when they have a lot better chance to make a move, esp. if one or two of the young guys makes a jump this year. Young, talented, cheap player(s) + large expiring contract + draft pick = impact veteran.

Posted by: Anonymous | July 16, 2008 10:26 AM

the wiz could not pay somebody to take pech. he will be back in ukraine in 2 years.

Posted by: Anonymous | July 16, 2008 10:40 AM

The Wiz could have had Camby for a #2 pick too. All we would have had to do was let Jamison and Arenas walk for nothing and Ernie would have had a gaping hole in his roster and cap space just like the Clippers.

Then we would have had Camby, & Etan to slug it out with Haywood. Can't see that was really an option that would have moved them ahead unless you're pinning your hopes to the 2010 FA class.

I still like our chances with the big three and developing the young bench.

Posted by: GM | July 16, 2008 10:40 AM

even trading butler for someone equal in return would be difficult. we signed him before he developed into an all-star level player, so we got him "on the cheap." we'd essentially have to package another salary along with him to make the money work.

but considering we just resigned a starting point guard and a starting pf, finding a player at the other positions that will make us better and the other team is willing to give up, won't be easy.

you could try to convince philly or charlotte or atlanta to do a sign and trade with iguodala, okafor, or smith. but i wouldn't guarantee that any of those players mentioned makes us any better. each of them are much better defenders than anyone we have though.

Posted by: JC | July 16, 2008 10:50 AM

We did not have the cap space, which is what Denver needed to move Camby and his $10 million contract to the Clips. So now the Clips have clinched 14th place or thereabouts in the West and the Nuggets are maybe 10th. It is jolting to see a player of Camby's quality go for what at first glance appears to be nothing, but that is an artifact of the CBA (I am grateful to other posters for teaching me about the ins and outs of this!).

So, move along people, there is nothing to see here...

The Wizards at this point have a couple million to spend. If EG can grab a serviceable player who is out on a limb financially when the dust settles a bit (as with DS two years ago) it will be a decent summer... Ideally, that player will be a back-up wing man with good 3-point range and adequate defense, or superior defense and the ability to attack the basket or some combination of these skills. That is why the choice lies around players like Matt Barnes, Trevor Ariza, Ryan Gomes, Joey Graham, who is playing like a man on a mission in Las Vegas, or maybe my outside choice, James Singleton, who also seems to be looking good in the summer league.

Now let's see if the Kids play decently in the desert later today.

Posted by: khrabb | July 16, 2008 10:54 AM

If the Nuggets don't land a big name FA with that exception, their next best move would be to blow the whole thing up.

Posted by: kalorama | July 16, 2008 11:06 AM

Watching the game shows how far our back-ups need to go. Blatche is still mesmerizing... for stretches. It looks like he has bulked up some, a positive sign. Young still has talent, but also plays like a show-off, is too quick to heave long jumpers, doesn't look for the pass, is too obsessed with driving and making a spectacular one-on-one highlight play. He plays like a character in his documentary, playing for an inspirational, spectacular ending, rather than bringing his lunch pail to the court and getting to work. He must spend more time in the film room and learning from Jamison and Butler, while resisting the temptation to learn from Arenas. DMac is still adjusting to NBA speed. He plays as if 'in a hurry', particularly on offense... little control on the dribble, an awkward, Hail-Mary jump shooter, even close-in. On the plus side, his recklesness translates into rebounds and, oddly enough, he has a natural eye for passing/finding the breaking man, even though he too often makes the pass too slowly and it results in a steal. His issue is: Will his decision-making ever adjust to NBA speed and compliment his significant athleticism? Pech, when he gets back, will play his final sumer league in a Wizards, possibly an NBA uniform. Vermeenko will have a long, distinguished career... in the Ukraine. Wallace is one smooth, overachieving battler and just might be someone's 3rd string PG. Good for him! The new guy? Too early to tell. McGhee? Long way to go... their 1st rounder was much better. Problem with drafting mid-first is that it is a crap shoot (see Pech, Young). We should have drafted Hickson, as at least he has freakish athleticism and huge upside, or an NBA ready player like Mario Chalmers. All Ernie could say about McGhee was that 'he is a big guy who can run'.

Posted by: KGrevey | July 16, 2008 11:07 AM

On a related note, it was reported a few days ago that the Clippers made a similar offer (cap space for big-contract player) to the Knicks for Zach Randolph and the Knicks turned them down.

Posted by: kalorama | July 16, 2008 11:08 AM

What, no comments on the kind words by Ric Bucher regarding Javale McGee on last night's SC?

Posted by: Anonymous | July 16, 2008 11:19 AM

I don't think we could afford Camby at his current salary by simply acquiring him for a draft pick or swap of picks. It would have put us over the luxury tax threshold. Someone confirm this.

Posted by: G$ | July 16, 2008 11:20 AM

Cavs sign Boobie Gibson to a 5-yr deal. 5 yrs for a 3-pt specialist? Financial terms not released, but this looks like another "trying too hard to show Lebron we're trying" kind of move.

Posted by: Anonymous | July 16, 2008 11:22 AM

I'm still trying to figure out what exactly Gil's $16 million dollar gift has bought us.
I know that if I'd given up $16 mill so that the team could be in a better position to sign someone and Dee Brown was our big signing, I'd be pissed.
Once Etan comes off the books, we will have more flexibility, so it can't really be argued that he did it for the future. The cap number goes up, too. Is (insert 10th man here) worth giving up the dough?

Posted by: mark | July 16, 2008 11:31 AM

I try not to watch Sportscenter anymore. What did Buch say?

Posted by: Anonymous | July 16, 2008 11:33 AM

Bucher was asked if any rookies have stood out as playing better than where they were drafted. He mentioned George Hill and Javale McGee, but cavaeted it with "It's summer league and there's a lot of fool's gold out there and these guys aren't going to contribute in the NBA immediately, obviously."

Posted by: Anonymous | July 16, 2008 11:36 AM

"Once Etan comes off the books, we will have more flexibility, so it can't really be argued that he did it for the future. "

Yes, actually, it can. He didn't just take less money this year. His cap number next season (and every season for the length of his contract) will be lower than if he took the max, giving the team added flexibility in each of those years (including next year, when Thomas comes off the books). It's not a one time thing.

Posted by: kalorama | July 16, 2008 11:53 AM

from ESPN...

Using the salary-cap space earmarked for re-signing Brand before his free-agent departure to the Philadelphia 76ers, L.A. was able to absorb Camby's contract ($10 million for each of the next two seasons) without surrendering anything of consequence, although Denver did create a trade exception worth $10.1 million that expires one year from Tuesday.

Posted by: G$ | July 16, 2008 12:00 PM

bookmark

Posted by: Anonymous | July 16, 2008 12:00 PM

Boo

Posted by: LK | July 16, 2008 12:05 PM

Gotcha, kal. I understand that it is 16 mill over the course of his contract but realistically, is that money going to make a difference between us signing a key player that can contribute and not signing one? I'd think that Etan's $$ would give us some flexibility but the few mill per season that Gil saved us really doesn't amount to much of a player..or does it?

Posted by: mark | July 16, 2008 12:13 PM

Will it make a difference? We won't know that until it happens (or doesn't happen). Can it make a difference? It certainly can.

Posted by: kalorama | July 16, 2008 12:26 PM

The $16M split by years may not bring in a significant player by itself, but added to room created by expiring contracts will give them more room to offer a significant player. Example if you Etan's contract comes off and they are not over the cap, the combination of Etan's cap figure and the piece of Gilbert's $16M could be enough. How much money do people expect Gilbert leave on the table? $16M not enough, what is? $30M? $50M? Are we being realistic or what?

Posted by: G-Man | July 16, 2008 12:26 PM

Some of you were asking about Aaron Miles, who played on the Wiz summer roster last year and did well as a playmaker. He is on Dallas' SL roster averaging 5 assists in 15 minutes (3 games). As for the Wiz, I'm willing to give these guys 5 SL games before I come to any conclusions about their potential for this season. I also hope EG is still working the circuit to get that backup swingman who can play D and hit the 3.

Posted by: newguy | July 16, 2008 12:29 PM

G-Man, I was probably the only one here who thought that Gil should take every penny he could get. I was all in favor of him looking out for himself and letting the Wiz management worry about the cap and player acquisition. I still don't see how his few millions could help put us over the top. As Kal, says, we obviously won't know til it happens but is there a cheap player out there that Gil's money allows us to get that can make a difference? I doubt it but we'll see. I'm thinking that we see pretty much the same results whether Gil takes the max or 16 mill less than the max.
As someone else astutely pointed out, we need a backup at the 3 to CB. Hopefully McGuire is it but if Barnes is signed, then that answers my question. A guy who can limit help CB's minutes would definitely have an effect.

Butler is a hard nosed player but the same can be said of Artest, this trade could help the Wiz solidify a leaky defense or just be a wash; an even up trade or would it be a big mistake for the Wiz to lose Caron whose attitude seems to fit well with the team and pick up a question mark like Artest?

Posted by: Myshkin | July 16, 2008 1:14 PM

"including next year, when Thomas comes off the books"/i>

correct me if i'm wrong, but isn't etan signed for 2 more seasons? i believe his final season may be a player option year. but considering there's no way he's getting another offer for close to his current salary, i see no reason why he'd take that option.

Posted by: JC | July 16, 2008 1:22 PM

The Lakers supposedly are contemplating moving Lamar Odom to the Kings in some kind of package deal to get Ron Artest.

Posted by: G$ | July 16, 2008 1:26 PM

"correct me if i'm wrong, but isn't etan signed for 2 more seasons?"

Yes, he's signed for two more seasons. But, based on past precedent, the odds are high that his expiring contract will be traded in the summer after next season, meaning his salary would be off the books, to be replaced by whomever they trade him for. If they don't trade him, he'll come off the books 2010

Posted by: kalorama | July 16, 2008 1:31 PM

i love artest as a player on the court. and i think there he could help us a lot. the problem i see with it is we do not have a real dominate leader on this team, and considering artest can be a loose cannon at times, having someone around that can keep any issues from permeating throughout the rest of the squad would be important. either a coach or a player. i don't think we have either.

i can see him on a team like cleveland, utah, san antonio. maybe even phoenix (though, we know nothing about how the new coach will be there).

but considering how our team can't even keep two average centers from getting into multiple physical altercations, artest would be a risky acquisition. especially if we then aren't able to resign him the following season.

Posted by: JC | July 16, 2008 1:35 PM

"based on past precedent, the odds are high that his expiring contract will be traded in the summer after next season"

except that, we'd have to bring in matching salaries in that trade, unless we find a team who can absorb his contract. but i don't see why any team would be willing to just absorb his contract unless we also send them a few draft picks.

so basically, we'd just be replacing him with close to the same salary, and probably for multiple years considering there no reason to trade one expiring for another, unless you actually value the player.

so really, the only trade scenario i see is if another team is tired of a 7-8 mil a year, multi-year signed, player who we think is good enough to warrant losing the following year's cap flexibility.

Posted by: JC | July 16, 2008 1:39 PM

"but i don't see why any team would be willing to just absorb his contract unless we also send them a few draft picks."

Because they'd be trading his contract, which expires at the end of the season, for a longer term contract attached to a player that better fills the Wizards' needs. The Wizards get a player they want/need more than Thomas and the other team gets cap relief.

"so really, the only trade scenario i see is if another team is tired of a 7-8 mil a year, multi-year signed, player who we think is good enough to warrant losing the following year's cap flexibility"

Yep.

Posted by: kalorama | July 16, 2008 1:44 PM

i should add another option: packaging him with another player. it still removes future flexibility, but let's you go after a supposedly better player if you equate salary to performance.

so like you could package him and butler, and you'd have almost 18 mil in salaries, one all star, and 8 mil off the books after the season. you could probably replace butler with jamison too, though he might not be as much of a draw based upon his age.

Posted by: JC | July 16, 2008 1:46 PM

"Because they'd be trading his contract, which expires at the end of the season, for a longer term contract attached to a player that better fills the Wizards' needs. The Wizards get a player they want/need more than Thomas and the other team gets cap relief

yeah but your point was that we'd be getting cap flexibilty that year cuz he'd be off the books. we won't be getting any cap flexibilty until after his option year unless a team litereally takes him and gives us no one in return, a la the camby trade.

yeah, so i wouldn't consider the trading of etan in his option year a done deal. especially since he also has that trade kicker.

Posted by: JC | July 16, 2008 1:49 PM

odom for artest is a good trade for the lakers. assuming bynum is ok, they already have their center and pf set. artest is a better defender at the 3 than odom, and can also defend the 2. jackson and kobe are enough i think to offset any potential issues artest might bring up.

Posted by: JC | July 16, 2008 1:52 PM

I think Ernie would have to give serious consideration at the very least to a Butler for Artest deal. They would have to get a hell of a player back for Butler & Thomas. We all know what Butler brings to the table, and even though I am not a huge Thomas fan, he is the only rugged inside guy we have and his contract will be very valuable when it finally comes off the books.

Posted by: Anonymous | July 16, 2008 2:09 PM

The other scenario would be to package Daniels and Etan together, possibly with other young talent and paicks for a high value target.

Salaries have to be within I think 15% to make a trade work if the Wiz have the extra cap room to absorb the additional salary room. That's where the money Gil left available in future years could provide more help.

If Dee Brown signed for what was reported I would assume that Grunfeld still has the full MLE left IF he would see value enough to go over ther luxury tax theshold.

If the move is for a backup 3 there are still plenty of cheap guys still out there.

Posted by: GM | July 16, 2008 3:09 PM

"yeah but your point was that we'd be getting cap flexibilty that year cuz he'd be off the books. we won't be getting any cap flexibilty until after his option year unless a team litereally takes him and gives us no one in return, a la the camby trade."

Not true at all. First, I didn't say "cap flexibility" specifically. I said "flexibility" period. The flexibility they'd have (that they have now and would continue to have) is space under the luxury tax ceiling. If Arenas had signed for the full max, taking on another salary to replace Thomas when his deal expired could have potentially put them over the tax ceiling. That being the case, they may have been tempted to simply let his deal expire and not spend the entire salary slot on a new player in a trade, specifically to avoid the tax. But now that they have some breathing room under the ceiling, they may be more willing to look at using Thomas' soon to expire deal as a trading chip, because they can do so without worrying about the tax.

It's all about options. By taking less money, Arenas gave them some. it remains to be seen how Grunfeld uses them.

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